Dublin Overview

Things you should know about Dublin

Ireland’s prehistoric ruins are some of the most fascinating sightseeing attractions in the countryside. With this in mind, there small villages and civilisations in and around Dublin long before historians were keeping track.

As far as the written annals are concerned, Dublin may have been referenced in the 2nd century by Ptolemy. Thoroughly documented history began centuries later, with Vikings and Normans clashing for control of the area. The Vikings ultimately lost and faded, and by the 12th century, Dublin was a Norman stronghold. A few centuries later, a new struggle emerged: one between Irish Catholics and English Protestants. Expressed in religious terms, this conflict had just as much to do with Irish sovereignty and British colonialism. It remains a touchy subject in modern times.

Despite a history of conflict, takeovers and oppression, Ireland is a much more peaceful place now than it was even a few decades ago. An economic boom in the 1990s a new sense of independence and optimism to Dubliners, though the more recent Eurozone debt crisis took some of this back.

For visitors, Dublin is a fascinating city to explore. Medieval lanes give way Georgian townhouses, Victorian pubs and a few spectacular feats of architecture like Dublin Castle and Trinity College. In truth, the architectural variety in Dublin can be a bit jarring, but this is only a reminder of how many different groups of people have tried to lay their hands on this capital city in the past thousand years. It’s a charismatic place, to be sure. And for those with car hire in Dublin, it’s ripe for exploration.

The gaol is easily accessible by hire car. Simply follow the river west for about 3.5 km along the N4 motorway. Associates at car hire agencies in Dublin can help you customise your tour, providing maps of the regions and a list of attractions in the area. They can also suggest inns and hotels where you can rest along the way.